2 Newark fire academy graduates headed to Iraq

After eight weeks of training to become Newark firefighters, Carlos Correa Jr. and Gamill Haidara will not be heading to a firehouse like their classmates. Instead, they're headed to a real hot zone: Iraq.

Correa and Haidara, who graduated with the 39th class of fire recruits Wednesday will be deployed and eventually sent to Iraq. Both were serving in the reserves when their units were called up.

Haidara, 34, is on Friday as squadron leader with the U.S. Marines. Correa, 23, is leaving June 22 with 102nd calvary division of the U.S. Army.

Jennifer Brown/The Star-LedgerMembers of the Newark Fire Department's 39th Recruit Class were sworn in at a graduation ceremony at Calvary Gospel Church by Mayor Cory Booker, June 11. Gamill B. Haidara and Carlos Correa Jr., right, who both must serve their military service, wait for their assignments following graduation. Correa pins his new badge on his uniform for the first time.

"I didn't have to give them much notice," said Capt. John Ward, the drill instructor who helped train the recruits. "They were both very respectful, smart and in great physical shape."

Correa and Haidara decided to become firefighters because of their military experience. Firefighting and the military share common traits: Both are considered dangerous, yet noble callings.

In fact, the class of 18 recruits had 11 members with military experience. The class also included a female graduate, Katrina Hall, who is the third female firefighter in Newark.

Correa said he joined the Army in high school because he wasn't interested in going to college. While he was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2005, his sergeant encouraged him to join the fire department.

"You put your life on the line, but you get a lot of gratification once the mission is done," he said of the similarities.

Haidara joined the Marines before the 9/11 because he was drawn to the challenges that the armed forces offered. A native of Dakar, Senegal, Haidara moved to Newark in 1995.